Phra Ajarn Khom, a former prominent monk, and eight others have denied charges of stealing 182 million baht from Wat Pha Dhammakiri in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Khom Kongkaeo, the former monk’s lay name, appeared before the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Tuesday.
Also accused are Wutthima Thaomor, the 38-year-old former abbot of the temple; Mr Khom’s sister Juthathip Phubodiwarochuphan, 35; driver Boonyasak Patarakosol, 45; and five other defrocked monks: Boonsong Panpuwong, 34; Bundit Yoicha, 42; Nathapat Tangjaisanong, 36; Boonluea Phothong, 36; and Thanakrit Yotsurin, 34.
They are accused of conspiring to steal 182.77 million baht from the Woodland Temple.
Mr Khom, 39, who rose to prominence as a meditation expert with a large following, was arrested in March alongside his sister and Mr Wutthima.
According to Pol Maj Gen Montri Thetkhan, the commander of the Crime Suppression Division, which is under the CIB, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) began its investigation after the National Office of Buddhism said it suspected the monk of collecting temple donations for his own use.
According to reports, one donation was made through Mr Wutthima, the former abbot, who subsequently handed the money on to Miss Juthathip.
She deposited the money into her brother’s bank account, while other cash donations totaling 51 million baht were kept at her home in foam boxes and bags.
The police have taken the money.
On March 9, the six other conspirators were apprehended. More cash, gold bars, gold jewelry, and other valuables were seized within the temple compound.
All nine defendants contested the charges. The court has chosen November 7 as the start date for the examination of evidence.
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